The first stage of any planning process is the identification of general community goals. In reality, these general goals represent a more definite statement of the many challenges facing Sioux Falls. While most are not readily attainable, they suggest long-term ideals which City policies and programs should seek to achieve. The general goals of the Sioux Falls Comprehensive Development Plan are as follows:
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Region: To develop Sioux Falls as a diversified regional center, encourage the preservation of the agricultural economy of the region, and to protect the character of the surrounding rural area and other communities in the region.
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Community: To achieve an urban area which functions as a unified entity, to make a full range of services and facilities available to the entire community, and to achieve a compact urban area.
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Neighborhoods: To provide a suitable living environment for all residents regardless of income, and to preserve the city's neighborhoods as the valuable resource which they represent. To prevent neighborhood blight through housing rehabilitation, housing code enforcement, dispersal of affordable housing, cleanup programs, and public capital improvement investments.
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Growth: To facilitate the orderly and efficient development of the urban structure for the benefit of all city residents while maintaining services and quality of life.
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Land Use: To achieve an arrangement of activities which will promote harmonious interaction among the various elements of the community and minimize land use conflicts. To provide urban growth area boundaries, neighborhood school, park and community centers, commercial service centers, and a mix of types and densities in all neighborhoods.
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Identity: To enhance the identity of Sioux Falls as a place of unique heritage, culture, and setting in which all residents can take pride.
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Economy: To preserve and enhance the existing economic base of Sioux Falls and to achieve continued and well-balanced economic development and employment opportunities.
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Diversity: To provide residents with a reasonable choice of living environment, vocational and education opportunities, and cultural and recreational amenities. To respect the right of each individual to be unique.
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Society: To achieve an urban environment which supports the social well-being of all citizens, where people enjoy personal safety and have available social and health services.
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Environment: To attain an aesthetically attractive urban development which is compatible with the ecological systems of the areas. To maintain air and water quality standards and area historic, cultural, and natural resources.
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Cost Efficiency: To minimize the total economic cost of providing housing, utilities, transportation, public facilities, and services.
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Public Facilities: To provide proper water supply and treatment facilities, sanitary sewer service, storm drainage and flood protection, and transportation systems. To expand open space corridors, greenway development, and recreational facilities and activities.
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Participation: To optimize the participation of citizens and organizations in public decisions affecting the development of the urban area.
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Government: To maintain a government that is accessible, effective, and cooperative with other public and private jurisdictions.
